Who's Online

The state has released new information on school performance as required by a federal education law called the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA):

• A new online reporting tool called the Iowa School Performance Profiles reflects how public schools performed on a set of core accountability measures, such as results on the statewide assessment. The tool displays a school’s score based on overall performance, as well as scores based on the performance of subgroups of students. These subgroups include students who are eligible for free and reduced-price lunch, students receiving special education services, English learners, and students from racial/ethnic minority groups.

• Based on the scores from this one assessment, some schools have been identified for additional support and improvement. These determinations are not punitive; instead, they come with funding and support.

Based on this new system of school accountability and support under ESSA, Lincoln Elementary and Washington Middle School have received a designation of Targeted Support and Improvement. This is because those schools have one subgroup that performed as low as the lowest 5 percent of schools in Iowa. Our subgroup is the Students with Disabilities (IEP).

Over the next three years, Lincoln will receive federal funding for support (Title I Building). Washington Middle School and Lincoln Elementary will receive resources from the state and our area education agency. With this support, we will create a local team to develop and implement a plan for improvement that fits the individual needs of our school. As you know, no two schools are the same, and each has its own unique context.

While we have many things to celebrate in our schools, such as our Washington Middle School, Lincoln Elementary, and Stewart Elementary are showing consistent growth with FAST assessment, all of our buildings are working on the social-emotional health of our students (PBIS & Ci3T), we also have work to do. We look forward to addressing our school’s needs through this process, which we view as an opportunity to build on the great things we have going on.

You can help by providing input as we develop our improvement plan and by continuing to support our school, our staff, and our students. We welcome your thoughts.

To locate our school’s results, as well as more information about the Iowa School Performance Profiles and ESSA, visit the following website: www.iaschoolperformance.gov

On Tuesday, December 19th, the Advanced Band members took the Middle School Auditorium stage from 5pm-7:45pm for their Annual solo/ensemble night. There were 29 different performances in 5 minute time slots and all of the 58 members of the Advanced Band participated in preparing for this event.

Gary McCurdy (aka The Tubadour), former Washington band director, judged students giving them a rating and verbal comments at the conclusion of their performances. It is an unusual event from the standpoint that audience members can stay for all 29 performances or they can pick and choose to watch only one or a few performances.

It all starts in November when students choose their own groups and the only limitations are that the performing groups have to be a solo, duet, trio or quartet. After choosing the members of their group, the next step is selecting music. Most of the music is selected by students with guidance from Mr. McClenahan and/or private instructors. A majority of the music chosen is Holiday/Christmas or pop/movie music, but there are also many traditional instrumental pieces, standards and folk songs as well. Some are accompanied by parents, some by their instructors and some play along to recorded accompaniments.

Overall outstanding performances were selected and Kevin F. (tuba solo) and Sofia J. and Teegan S. (Flute Duet) were the two outstanding performances of the night. These groups received $100 in Be Bucks with this award.

Mr. McClenahan commented, "This is one of the most challenging and valuable projects students do all year in band. Students play parts independently and they have no director in front of them to keep them together. It's also interesting to hear how they make some uncommon combinations of instruments work. In the end, they grow a lot and become better independent players. I also like the fact we always have 100% participation and they feel a sense of responsibility to their group."

The students were rated on a scale from I+ being the highest and III- being the lowest. The ratings earned by this year's groups were:

A SEUSSIFIED CHRISTMAS CAROL

Friday November 30

7:00 PM

Washington High School Auditorium

Admission: Nonperishable Food Donation

Thank You WCRF!

Thursday, November 15 2018 11:06

Thank You Washington County Riverboat Foundation for your grant of $36,956 for our 1:1 Technology for grades K-2 project! These funds will help the District add enough iPad and Chromebook devices at Stewart Elementary to make one available for every student.